More museums, much to see

A variety of museums specializing in visual arts awaits the curious and the connoisseur alike in the Tampa Bay area.

By MARY ANN MARGER
Times Art Critic

Ancient artifacts from the Incas is just one of the categories of art on view in the bay area. You can continue your visual pleasure with a visit to other art venues, scheduling a variety of exhibits throughout the tourist season.

Within an hours drive of the Florida International Museum are seven museums devoted to art: the Salvador Dali Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts, in downtown St. Petersburg; the Tampa Museum of Art, and the University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum, in Tampa; the Gulf Coast Museum of Art in Belleair; the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland; and, largest of all, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, with its renowned collection of Baroque art.

In addition, the Holocaust Memorial Museum and Education Center, while not an art museum, has devoted its second floor to an outstanding visiting show. And many non-profit art centers, several college galleries and scores of commercial showplaces round out the areas ongoing offerings.

Through Nov. 8 -- Jimmy Ernst: The Sea of Grass Series and Beyond, Museum of Fine Arts. A monumental painting by the late Jimmy Ernst is the impetus for an exhibit of his works. 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg; (727) 896-2667.

Through Dec. 6 -- Joseph Beuys Multiples, Ringling Museum of Art. The late German Joseph Beuys, a leading 20th century artist, is explored through more than 300 of his works created in multiples. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota (off U.S. 41); (941) 359-5700

Dec. 4-6 -- American Craft Council Craft Fair Tampa Bay. Crafts artists from throughout the nation return to the bay area for one of only nine U.S. shows. Tampa Convention Center, Tampa; (813) 281-0088.

Jan. 10-March 21 -- Alma W. Thomas: A Retrospective of the Paintings, Tampa Museum of Art. As a teacher, then a painter, Thomas career saw great changes in African-American life. 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa; (813) 274-8130.